BLT Landscapes is an expert in Landscaping in Dickinson, TX, and also in understanding relative issues. Drainage is important to the landscape as water impacts the yard's health directly. Below are some common landscape drainage issues and tips by our experts to help you diagnose and correct the problem: Flat, low areas: These are spots that collect water after a rainstorm or a sprinkler system run. This can be corrected through the reshaping of your yard or the installation of a French drain. It is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe designed to collect excess water. Dense soil: If you suspect that your soil type is contributing to your drainage issue, you can perform a permeability test by digging a hole about 2 feet deep and filling it with water. If the water is absorbed within 24 hours, that means your soil has good permeability. If not, then you may need to add topsoil or sand to improve drainage. Poorly functioning gutters. Gutters should be clear of debris and direct water away from your landscaping and planting beds. A great way to check if your gutters are performing correctly is by using two 5-gallon buckets and lining up one under each of your downspouts. Turn on the hose for 15 minutes and check how much water was collected in each bucket. The buckets should have about the same amount of water in them. If not, then you likely have clogged gutters.